Ipswich squash star Lucy Turmel believes that 2018 will be an better year after a breakthrough 12 months for the 18-year-old.

Turmel will spearhead England’s challenge at the Dunlop British Junior Open in Birmingham, starting today, where she will be one of 650 players competing at the biggest junior event in the sport, which features over 30 nations and is regarded as the ‘junior Wimbledon of squash’.

Turmel is seeded fourth in the top-tier under-19 event after a brilliant year which saw her capture the British national junior, English Closed and English junior championship titles in the same age category.

She also won her first PSA world tour event at the Barcelona Open and then broke into the women’s top 100 for the first time.

“Last year went pretty well but 2018 will be better,” said Turmel.

“I’m looking forward to finishing college in June so I can fully focus on squash. I’m finishing my first year on the PSA world tour at number 72, which I’m really happy with.

“The highlight of last year was definitely winning the Barcelona Open and getting my first PSA title. That has given me more confidence in terms of senior squash.

“Retaining my British under-19 title last month was also a goal that I was pleased to achieve, now I’m looking to finish my last junior year strongly at the British, Europeans and World Championships.”

Turmel has put her rise through the ranks down to “working hard consistently”.

She added: “I thrive off pushing myself in training and doing sessions I don’t think others will be doing. I also take care with what I eat and fuelling my body.”

She trains at Ipswich Sports Club and is coached by Lee Drew, who is also England Squash’s national junior coach.

He said: “She is very professional in her approach. She goes to college and trains like a professional. She is now challenging top players and is someone with great prospects.”

Turmel begins her challenge today at one of four venues being used in Birmingham between January 3-7, with the finals being played at the 500-capacity University of Birmingham.

Dunlop is a proud sponsor of the British Junior Open and Official Ball Partner of England Squash.